Ireland’s Margaret Johnston is arguably the greatest woman bowler of all time, with three Commonwealth Games medals to her credit and six medals at World Championships. When World Bowls Ltd published its first female ranking list earlier this year, the Irish star was in the coveted No.1 position. In this special interview, she goes ‘One-on-One’ with consultant editor Ron Wyllie to look back over one of the most distinguished careers in the sport of bowls, and she reveals her one remaining ambition as well as her suspicion towards sports psychologists.

When did you take up bowls?

I remember it well even though it was 42 years ago! I lived in a small village where there was very little to do in your spare time and, in January 1964, our minister started a short mat club. I never dreamt then that the sport would take me all over the world, though. I suppose you could say that, in a roundabout way, God brought me to bowls!

Your haul of medals at major events is incredible. Can you remember what you won, where and when?

Yes, as if it was yesterday! I have three Commonwealth Games medals – two gold and one bronze. I won gold in the pairs in Edinburgh in 1986 and in the singles in Canada in 1994. My bronze was obtained in 1990 in New Zealand. My six World Championships medals are split evenly between singles and pairs, my most recent being in the singles in Royal Leamington Spa in September 2004.

What would you say your greatest achievement is?

All my triumphs have been special and I have particular memories of each and every one. They say your first success is sweetest, but the gold in Leamington Spa two years ago meant as much to me as anything I have ever won. If you pushed me I would have to say that holding every singles title in women’s bowls at one time or other – indoor and outdoor – Irish, British Isles, Commonwealth and World Championships is a feat I treasure.

Your SuperBowl final with David Corkhill some two decades ago is still remembered by bowlers as one of the greatest televised matches of all time. What impact do you think it had on the sport?

It was some game, I can tell you, and it proved to millions that women could compete with men at the highest level. Over the years, we haven’t had enough opportunities to do this, though I have been delighted to see the likes of Carol Ashby breaking through at World Bowls Tour events, taking on, and beating, the guys. The more chances we get to play them the better our results will be.

How did it feel to be rated No.1 in the first ever women’s ranking list?

That was special, particularly as I have often felt women’s bowls does not enjoy the profile it deserves. We hear a lot about the men’s ranking lists but we play as many major tournaments as they do and it is only right our achievements should be marked in a similar way. When I looked at some of the wonderful players on our list, it gives
me a great feeling.

You are one of an elite few in our sport to have been awared an MBE for services to bowls. What can you remember about that honour?

Everything! It was a lovely surprise and, when I started out in that short mat club in 1964, I never thought for a moment I would end up with a gong. Indeed, if anyone had suggested it might happen I would have thought they were mad! I still recall going to London to visit Buckingham Palace in 1991 and seeing how the other half lives!

Many people argue that Irish bowls is enjoying a golden era at present. Do you agree with that analysis?

Yes, undoubtedly. We have shown we can live with anyone in the world and I was thrilled to see Roy McCune and our men retain the Home International Series title this summer for the first time. There is a great spirit abroad and plenty of talent too. I watched Neil Booth’s triple come close to gold in Melbourne in March and, of course, Jeremy Henry has won gold in the World Outdoor Singles and teamed-up with Ian McClure to win the World Indoor Pairs title. Ireland are also reigning World Outdoor Fours champions so it is an exciting time for bowls in my native land. Our women have not quite been so successful in recent years, though there are many exciting new young talents emerging.

Your suspicion of sports psychologists is no secret. Can you explain this?

I think I said some years ago that, if I was going to spend a few hours lying on my back, I could think of better things to do! That shocked some but there was a serious point to it all. I suppose I’m an old hand and probably a bit of a rebel but I don’t really see what good sports psychologists do for bowls. Perhaps, in some other sports, their methods might be of benefit but, in my opinion, we don’t need them and I certainly never needed their motivation to win medals at the highest level.

Have you any remaining ambitions in bowls?

Yes, directly related to a point I made a few moments ago. I would love Ireland to win the Women’s Home International Series before my time is up. We have been runners-up twice so I am convinced we can do it and, on a personal level, it would be the icing on the cake. Representing my country has always meant the world to me and to be part of a winning international side would be the pinnacle of my career!